We're all guilty of it – giving in to those big begging eyes
pleading at us for a scrap from the table during dinner. Fido
knows just how to get you to concede, and most of us justify
that a little won't hurt, or we don't even think of the
potential danger at all. But the truth is that human food can be
harmful to your pet, and in some cases, can be fatal. It's
important to know how certain foods can be unsafe so that you
can avoid them for the sake of your animal.

Here is how a few of some of the most common "human foods"
become harmful for pets:

Chocolate and other foods containing caffeine

Caffeine is one of the greatest culprits because it contains an
alkaloid called theobromine. Theobromine acts as a cardiac
stimulant and a diuretic, which in turn can cause a heart attack
or other heart and nervous system problems in animals.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are potentially harmful due to the fact that
both contain thiosulphate, which can damage red blood cells and
cause anemia in cats and dogs. Of the two, onions are the most
toxic, as consumption of simply one serving by your pet could
result in anemia.

Milk

Milk can harm your pet due to the fact that many dogs and cats
tend to be lactose intolerant. The consumption of milk and milk
products by a lactose intolerant pet creates a breeding ground
for bacteria, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bones

Bones, although commonly known as a great treat for your dog,
are potentially very dangerous for pets. Once eaten, bones can
splinter and get stuck in the intestines, causing damage or
fatality. In most splinter cases, the bones must be removed
surgically.

Some human foods potentially cause only mild digestive upsets,
while others can be fatal. Regardless of the level of danger,
the best choice for your pet is to keep him from any potentially
harmful foods in order to ensure his health and safety.

During the holiday season, veterinary clinics have noticed a
rising in the number of pets that they treat for food-related
illnesses. The increase in pet illness is due to the fact that
animals are partaking in human foods during mealtime. Although
not well known by the public, the consumption of human food to
pets is potentially harmful to animals, and in some instances,
can be fatal.

The rise in food-related illnesses by pets is a clear
indication that the dangers of human food consumption by animals
are not understood by the masses.

So, the next time your pet looks up at you with those pleading
eyes, show him you care by doing what is truly best for him and
feeding him only products meant for pet consumption. In the end,
both you and your pet will be glad that you did.

About The Author: Paul Counts and Tyler Clinton are the owners
of http://Petronic.com and the editors of
http://www.leadingedgepetcare.com. They are both passionate pet
owners and entrepreneurs, and they provide a variety of high end
pet supplies at http://www.petronic.com.